HOBART Baroque may be saved at the eleventh hour, after Lord Mayor Damon Thomas stepped in yesterday, making it his personal mission to find a white knight to fund the festival.

Ald Thomas has declared he “won’t let it go without a huge fight” and is looking to Chinese investors and a new venue – a purpose built cathedral at Redlands Estate in the Derwent Valley – to rescue the festival and stop its artistic dir­ector Leo Schofield returning to Sydney.

Earlier this week, Mr Schofield cancelled the event following a feud over funding. He had asked the Government for $800,000 but was given half that amount, the same funding as last year’s festival.

Comments on this story

Peter Troy of Kingston Posted at 2:58 PM August 10, 2014

Maybe Susan, you are the exception that proves the rule!!

Leigh McLean of Queensland Posted at 12:36 AM August 10, 2014

I don't think Mike Stone is wrong in quoting the article Susan Costello of West Hobart. If you read the article you will clearly see: âThis is the only baroque festival outside of continental Europe so, for me, this needs a white knight,â Ald Thomas said. You had better let Ald Thomas know Susan Costello. It wont be good if he is trying to raise the money with false pretences.

Lynda Morris of Huon Posted at 10:58 PM August 09, 2014

Oh dear, Susan Costello #30 - I think you have misunderstood what Peter Troy #25 meant about being "dependent in the public purse" ! I believe you will find that his comment did actually refer to Public Servants, who are TOTALLY dependent on the "public purse" for their salary and perks! Oops!